GSA administrator outlines agency priorities for 2013

The top official at the General Services Administration said in a blog post Monday that the agency’s priorities in 2013 will be to save agencies money, become more environmentally friendly and expand opportunities for small businesses.

Acting administrator Dan Tangherlini took over the post on April 2 after the publication of a GSA inspector general report detailing wasteful spending at a $823,000 conference in Las Vegas and the ouster of the agency’s leadership.

Tangherlini said in a blog post published Monday that the agency will focus on six areas in 2013, including:

Saving agencies money by expanding its strategic sourcing initiative — where agencies are required to purchase categories of goods together — and by cutting real estate costs.

Simplifying its processes and procedures to make it easier for agencies to use GSA services.

Encouraging the use of small businesses at GSA and across the government.

Stepping up its sustainability efforts to make the agency more environmentally friendly.

Promoting a flexible and open workplace that will shrink the federal real estate footprint and save agencies on leasing costs.

Providing GSA employees with training and the resources they need and emphasize greater cooperation across the agency.

Tangherlini said he hoped to make GSA a model for integrity and efficiency.

“GSA has a responsibility to the American people to carry out all of our activities, from our biggest purchases to our most routine leases, with integrity and the highest level of performance,” Tangherlini said.